Wayne Rooney sweats on FA punishment over F-word rant

04 April 2011 14:16
[LNB]Wayne Rooney will today find out whether he faces an FA punishment for his foul-mouthed goal celebration at West Ham on Saturday. [LNB]Rooney could escape with a slap on the wrist for his irresponsible F-word outburst that was aired live on Sky Sports at the weekend after completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot in Manchester United's 4-2 victory at Upton Park. [LNB]FA director Sir Trevor Brooking confirmed yesterday that the governing body will be investigating Rooney's behaviour. [LNB]Read Martin Samuel's verdict: Rooney seems a man motivated only by vengeance and spite[LNB][LNB] Swear box: Wayne Rooney took the shine off his hat-trick with a foul-mouthed rant directed at the television cameras[LNB]The disciplinary procedure in such circumstances is not obviously established, but it is likely Rooney will receive a ticking off and be warned over his future conduct because of his public apology, released by the club later on Saturday afternoon, in which he said his actions were 'inappropriate' and made in the 'heat of the moment.' [LNB]Should he receive a ban, Rooney could miss vital games in Manchester United's run-in as the club bids for a record 19th league crown. A one-match ban would rule him out of Saturday's home clash against Fulham, and a two-match ban would see Rooney miss the Manchester derby in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on April 16. [LNB]Sportsmail also understands there was a fear within the FA that making a snap decision to charge the England striker could lead to litigation from United. [LNB] In the corner: Rooney scores his first with a delightful free-kick [LNB]The FA could charge the England forward with bringing the game into disrepute and, even though they may not come down hard on him, it is understood senior FA chiefs are dismayed with his behaviour. [LNB]Rooney was heard to swear twice - the first after he converted his third goal and the second when he appeared to respond to a remark made off-camera. [LNB]The Premier League's global appeal means the footage has already been aired all over the world and the sight of Rooney swearing on television has tainted the image of football in this country - a view that is not lost on the FA's top brass. [LNB]The FA are also annoyed at the timing of Rooney's rant. Just last week the Premier League revealed a new initiative to crack down on vitriolic abuse towards referees from next  season, while FA chairman David Bernstein threw his weight behind Sportsmail's Stamp It Out campaign - aimed at eradicating disrespectful and intimidating behaviour towards officials.[LNB] [LNB] Previous form: Rooney unleashes a tirade at Green Point stadium after England's dismal goalless draw with Algeria[LNB] It is not the first time Rooney has found himself in trouble for speaking into a camera. He criticised booing England fans after the dismal 0-0 draw against Algeria in the World Cup last summer and said: 'Nice to see your home fans booing you. That's loyal supporters.'Again, he later apologised for his comments. [LNB]Chelsea striker Didier Drogba,  meanwhile, was given a four-match Champions League ban by UEFA for his X-rated verbal attack on referee Tom Henning Ovrebo following his side's dramatic Champions League exit to Barcelona in 2009. [LNB]Drogba harangued Ovrebo after the final  whistle, called the official a 'f***ing  disgrace' live on Sky and had to be led away by team-mates.[LNB] Rooney set to escape ban as FA investigate foul-mouthed celebrationGraham Poll: FA must take the hard line with Rooney and ban him for three games. But they won't.Martin Samuel: Wayne Rooney seems a man motivated only by vengeance and spitePatrick Collins: Rooney's foulmouthed tirade makes mockery of new campaign [LNB] [LNB]  Explore more:People: Trevor Brooking, Martin Samuel, Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney Places: Barcelona, Manchester, Algeria, United Kingdom

Source: Daily_Mail